ITV's Daybreak show slammed over deal to light up St Paul's

The City of London was today branded "irresponsible" for allowing the producers of ITV's Daybreak to turn floodlights on St Paul's for three hours each morning.

Producers are paying for the lights every weekday, between 5.30am and 8.30am, so viewers can see the cathedral behind presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

Chiles has even joked with viewers, saying: "We spent good money bringing this view to you."

The agreement with the City of London Corporation today came under fire. Green London Assembly member Darren Johnson said: "At a time when people are being urged to save energy this sends out a terrible message."

Greg Williams, a spokesman for the City of London, said: "We do it for films and saw no reason why we should be unhelpful in this case."